Monster Tajima Goes All-Electric For 2012 Pikes Peak Run

If you've not heard of Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima then you probably don't follow the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event, held each year at Pikes Peak in Colorado.

Fans of the sport, which involves over 12 miles of twists and turns and a climb of over 4,700 feet, will recognise Monster as a two-time record-setter on the hill, and the first to break the "10 minute barrier" up the treacherous course, and reigning champion for the last six years.

Only this year, Tajima will be swapping race fuel for amps and volts, as he attempts to beat his own course record in an electric race car.

As part of Team APEV ('Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles'), Tajima aims to set a new world record up the course, not only beating the internal combustion stranglehold on the sport, but hugely raising the profile of electric vehicles in motorsport.

I assume the car will employ in-wheel electric motors, which allows for some very effective traction and ride control, both of which should help in their attempt. I wonder how many of those who think electric motors aren't powerful realize that the wheels of a diesel locomotive are powered by electric motors.